Takarazuka Revue: The Amazing Musical Theater Troupe!

Experience the magic of the Takarazuka Revue, with its all-female performers delighting audiences. Each show transports viewers to a dream world of romance and drama! Witness the elegance and charm of the actresses as they bring characters to life on stage!

What is the Takarazuka Revue?

The Takarazuka Revue is known for its all-female cast. Actresses are divided into otokoyaku, specializing in male roles, and musumeyaku, playing female roles. The Revue features five troupes, Flower, Moon, Snow, Star, and Cosmos, each with its own distinct charm, with retired members in the Senka group. These troupes rotate performances at the Theaters, offering audiences a range of shows.

The heart of each troupe lies in its leading pair: the top star and top musumeyaku, who often take center stage in romantic storylines. Supported by the rest, these pairs bring flair to each performance, shaping the atmosphere of the group. Since its origins, the Takarazuka Revue has evolved into a world of dreams.

When did the Takarazuka Revue debut?    

The Takarazuka Revue debuted in 1914 when it was founded by Kobayashi Ichizō, an entrepreneur known for his various projects, including developing the Hankyu Railway. The revue emerged after Kobayashi converted an indoor pool into a theater. Kobayashi’s guiding principles of “Modesty, Fairness, and Grace” became the cornerstone of Takarazuka’s traditions, emphasizing quality entertainment, proper etiquette, and dignity.

The motto “Modesty, Fairness, Grace” continues to shape its members’ performances and conduct. This code, aimed at providing wholesome family entertainment, shows the legacy of Kobayashi’s vision. Despite societal changes over the years, the spirit of these principles remains a part of the revue’s performers and staff, who guide their actions on and off the stage.

What is a typical show like?

When planning to see a Revue show, you have three options. If you arrive on the day of the show, you can attend an afternoon or morning performance. For afternoon shows, book early for a Stage Studio photo session, have lunch before the show, and consider dining at a hotel afterward. For morning shows, aim to arrive around 10:00, have lunch during intermission or after the show, and explore attractions afterward.

On the other hand, you can arrive the day before the show and spend the night in Takarazuka. This allows for a relaxing trip to visit attractions such as the Stage Studio, the Revue Hall of Fame, Quatre Rêves, the Sumire Museum, or even the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum. This option lets you fully immerse yourself in the Takarazuka experience before attending the Revue show.

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What’s a typical day like in the Takarazuka Revue?

The Takarazuka Revue’s success is thanks to its training at the Takarazuka Music School, where performers study various arts for two years, like ballet, singing, and traditional Japanese dance. Competition for entry is so fierce that it’s compared to the admissions process for Japan’s top universities. This training ensures a continuous flow of talented individuals, supporting the revue’s star system and allowing fans to discover new favorites.

The company also supports scriptwriters, directors, and producers, providing them with hands-on experience from the start. This emphasis on training and understanding the company is crucial as Takarazuka needs to produce new shows. Supported by the Hankyū Railway, the revue has overcome challenges. Takarazuka remains an integral part of Japanese culture, proudly sponsored by Hankyū Hanshin Holdings.

Where can I see these shows?

The Takarazuka Grand Theater in Takarazuka City has been a central part of its history since its debut. As the home of the Takarazuka Revue in Hyogo Prefecture, the theater offers visitors an immersive experience. Inside the building, visitors can explore a museum, shop for original merchandise, and even try on costumes at the Salon de Takarazuka stage studio.

Just a five-minute walk from Yūrakuchō Station, the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater is the company’s second home. The Takarazuka Grand Theater has impressive features such as a grand staircase, stage lifts, a revolving stage platform, and live music from the theater’s orchestra. Productions like “The Rose of Versailles” have earned immense popularity. The troupes have also shown their talent in over 120 cities across 17 countries!

Why should I see the Takarazuka Revue?

The Takarazuka Revue has captivated audiences for a century with its unique style of all-female performers creating a dream world on stage. At the heart are the otokoyaku, who portray male characters with a calm and stylish flair, perfectly complementing the feminine musumeyaku. Audiences are drawn to the difference between these roles, appreciating the charm of each actress as they bring characters to life.

The Takarazuka Revue’s theaters enhance the experience with elaborate sets and intimate staging. The ginkyō, or “silver bridge,” extends before the audience, connecting performers and viewers. The well-equipped stage features stage lifts, a turntable, and a grand staircase. Together with costumes and props, these elements create a visual delight, bringing the world of Takarazuka to life on stage. Have you ever seen a Takarazuka Revue show? How was it? Let us know in the comments below!